The German rescue swimming badge (German: Deutsches Rettungsschwimmabzeichen) is awarded by the Wasserwacht of the German Red Cross, the DLRG and the ASB for proficiency in rescue swimming skills. The German rescue swimming badge is awarded in bronze, silver, and in gold. The awards is available as a cloth patch, as a metal badge, or as a ribbon. The rescue swimming badges in silver and gold are permitted to be worn on uniforms of the Bundeswehr, the German Police and various rescue services as a ribbon. It is also an entry-requirement for some German Police agencies. History In 1913 the DLRG offered its first rescue swimming classes. By the year 1922, 7997 rescue swimming certificates, 2038 badges in bronze, and 676 instructors' certificates were awarded. Bronze Requirements At least 12 years old Test 200 metres swim in less than 10 minutes, (100 m breaststroke and 100 m on the back without arm activity) 100 metres swim in clothing in less than 4 minutes. Afterwards, taking off clothes in the water. Three different jumps from springboard of 1 metre height 15 metres underwater swim on one breath Two 2–3 metres dives and retrieving a 5 kilo ring 50 metres rescue pulling or pushing stroke 50 metres lifesaving stroke Demonstrating proficiency in avoiding holds and chokes Demonstration of CPR Lifting a person out of the water Combination of: 20 metre swim Diving and retrieving a 5 kilo ring 20 metres rescue pulling stroke Demonstrating proficiency in (written test): Hazards near and inside water Respiratory and cardiovascular system Rescue for boat accidents or ice accidents First aid for near-drowning accidents Duties and responsibilities Silver Requirements At least 14 years old Completion of First-Aid course Test 400 metres swim (50 metres front crawl, 150 metres breaststroke, 200 metres pulling rescue stroke) in less than 15 minutes 300 metres swim in clothing in less than 12 minutes. Afterwards, taking off clothes in the water. 25 metres underwater swim on one breath Jump from springboard of 3 metres height Three 3–5 metres dives and retrieving a 5 kilo ring or a similar object 50 metres rescue pushing stroke in 1:30 minutes Demonstrating proficiency in avoiding holds and chokes 50 metres rescue pulling stroke in less than 4 minutes, both persons wearing clothes Combination of: 20 metres swim Diving and retrieving a 5 kg ring in 3–5 metres depth Breaking a hold or choke Transporting a person